Australian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed

Many of Australia's biggest companies and local celebrities are coughing up tens of millions of dollars to provide assistance for volunteer firefighters, emergency services personnel and fire victims. Key points: Acting CEO of the Australian Red Cross warns recovery can take years and funding support is required for the long term Warning follows several public announcements by corporate donors in recent days Andrew Forrest insists his family foundation's assistance is a long-term project From mega-celebrities like Hollywood A-lister Chris Hemsworth, to corporate philanthropists like Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, well known Australians and businesses have been falling over themselves to present hundreds of thousands, and in some cases tens of millions of dollars to the bushfire recovery effort. "I think we do what we can, I'm very fortunate to chair a large Australian public company," he said, referring to mining company Fortescue Metals Group. "We are a professional services firm and we have a lot of skills to be able to offer the community as well," PwC's chief people officer Dorothy Hisgrove said. "It's a really tough question when the fires are still going and people are yet to rebuild," the Red Cross's Noel Clement said.